COLOUR AND CONCRETE – STOCKHOLM ARCHITECTURE – 13K

Visitors sometimes believe that central parts of Stockholm were demolished during world war two. As a matter of fact nothing was destroyed during the war, but in the following decades with booming economy many areas with old and sometimes run down buildings had to give place for large modernization projects. This tour will take you through the most interesting architecture from different eras. We will skip the obvious touristic areas such as the Old Town and focus on colour and concrete, or in other words, the beauty and the beast.

The 1920’s Stockholm Concert Hall situated at the Haymarket has a style and colour unique in the world. This is here the Nobel prize and the Polar Music Prize is awarded. Around the corner are Hötorgsskraporna, five skyscrapers (by local measures!) in contrasting modern 1950’s style.

The TV tower Kaknästornet, a landmark as Stockholm’s tallest building, will be spotted across the green fields of Gärdet when we pass the Film Institute in matching grey concrete brutalist style architecture. If you think this is an eye sore wait until we pass what the locals voted the most ugly building in Stockholm – the school of architecture. The contrast with the other buildings on the same street is stunning. Turn your head around and you will see town houses in fantastic colour. In comparison the architect schools brand new building is voted one of the most beautiful buildings in town.

En route we will also spot the much debated Northern Towers finished 2020, that mark the connection between Stockholm city and the new hospital Karolinska.

Stockholm Stadium was purpose built for hosting the 1912 Olympic games and has since then seen over 80 world records in athletics. It is also the finishing line of Stockholm marathon and an arena for Rolling Stones, Kiss, Bruce Springsteen and other rock stars. Designed as a Roman arena surrounded by medieval walls, all in dark brick it is a masterpiece.

The City Hall is another landmark with its tall bell tower and Italian inspired courtyard. Nearby is one of the latest additions to Stockholm waterline – Stockholm Waterfront – that looks like a huge space ship that has landed right in the middle of the city centre.

Lets go on this must see tour of Stockholm!

What You Will See on the Stockholm Architecture 13K Running Tour

During this 13K guided running tour, guests explore Stockholm’s architectural contrasts — from early 20th-century landmarks to modern brutalist and contemporary buildings. The route focuses on districts shaped by post-war redevelopment and architectural experimentation rather than the typical tourist areas.

Along the route, you will see:

• Stockholm Concert Hall – Distinctive blue concert hall from the 1920s where the Nobel Prize ceremony takes place
• Hötorgsskraporna – Five modernist skyscrapers built in the 1950s as part of Stockholm’s redevelopment
• Swedish Film Institute Building – Iconic brutalist concrete architecture near Gärdet
• Kaknästornet – Stockholm’s tallest tower visible across the open fields of Gärdet
• KTH School of Architecture – One of Stockholm’s most debated buildings, often voted among the city’s ugliest
• The colorful historic townhouses surrounding the architecture district
• Norra Tornen – Modern residential towers completed in 2020 that mark the connection to the new Karolinska hospital area
• Stockholm Olympic Stadium – Historic stadium built for the 1912 Olympic Games
• Stockholm City Hall – Landmark building and venue of the Nobel Prize banquet
• Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre – Modern waterfront complex with futuristic architecture